The rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, Archbishop Sylvester of Belogorodsk, in an interview with the Dialogue.TUT portal noted that the UOC has never supported systemic discrimination against the UOC-KP.

“Probably the best answer here would be a quote. From an article by Viktor Elensky. Reflecting on the desire of the authorities of the times of Yanukovych to reformat the religious space of Ukraine, Viktor Evgenievich writes: “Regarding the change of jurisdiction, the Orthodox communities put up stiff resistance, and the UOC-MP did not want to share responsibility for the persecution with the authorities” (Yelensky V.E. Ukrainian Orthodoxy and the Ukrainian Project / / Pro and Contra. No. 3-4 (59), May-August 2013. – P. 39.),” the Bishop emphasized.

He also noted that during the years of Yanukovych’s rule, the UOC “did not support the scenario of tough actions against the Kyiv Patriarchate. It is sad, but it can already be stated that today the OCU has not escaped such a temptation.”